Story by Cassandra Perry

Cassandra PerryHampton University

Michael Vick, the most disliked player in the NFL according to Forbes, has been battling for his likeability again. Since his charges in 2007 and spending 23 months in prison for dog-fighting related charges, some people lost their respect for Vick.

According to an interview that CBS New Anchor, James Brown, did with Vick, Vick blamed himself. " It's no way of explaining the hurt and the guilt that I felt. And that was the reason I cried so many nights," Vick told Brown. "What I did, you know, being away from my family, letting many people down. I let myself down, not being out on the football field, being in a prison bunk, writing letters home, you know. That wasn't my life. That wasn't the way things was supposed to be."

As he is building his life back up from his downfall, he has gained back his career, some of his endorsements, and a few fans but most of his respect from NFL fans are still gone. Forbes shows that 69% of people dislike Vick. He has tried numerous ways to gain back the trust and respect of the people. One of the best ways was leading the Eagles to a 11-5 season in 2009 as lead quarterback for the Eagles. This is one way to help gain fans back.

]\Vick has also tried to work with animal cruelty prevention groups and the Humane Society. Certain organizations such as ASPCA (The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals), have refused to work with Vick. According to the ASPCA, they are not convinced that Mr. Vick has demonstrated his remorse for his criminal actions.

After Vick was released from prison in 2009, he took a job at a construction company in Newport News, VA, his hometown. In 2009, he was offered a two- year contract to the Philadelphia Eagles and extended it for another six years in 2011, ESPN.com reported. When talking to Eagles coach Andy Reid, he stated, "I'm very happy we were able to reach an agreement with Michael on this long-term contract. It's a product of all the hard work Michael has done to better himself over the last couple years, both on and off the field."